Overall, the number of confirmed positive cases of COVID‑19, as of mid‑April, is minimal. As a measure to prevent the spread of the virus, the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao has ordered a countrywide lockdown starting from 1 April until 3 May 2020 and imposed restrictions on international and national travels, limiting travel to other provinces, suspending domestic passenger transport services and closing border checkpoints. In addition, the Government prohibited the large gatherings of people and closed schools, universities, public institutions and sports venues. Transportation of goods and agricultural activities are authorized to continue in order to ensure adequate market availabilities. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry established a Task Force to work with concerning agencies and support agricultural production.

There are concerns related to the effects of the virus on food prices as a result of panic‑buying, hoarding and potential disruptions to the movement of food supplies. On 30 March 2020, the Government has imposed price control measures in order to avoid price spikes for several essential goods, including medicines, medical devices and rice, the country’s main staple.